Endometriosis is a women’s health condition that causes the tissue that normally lines the uterus to grow outside of it. It affects approximately 10% of women in the U.S., which is why National Endometriosis Awareness Month in March seeks to inform more people about what this condition entails. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you identify endometriosis so you can make an appointment with a gynecologist to seek treatment.

What You Should Know About Endometriosis

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Women with endometriosis can experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• painful cramps during menstrual cycles
• heavy periods
• spotting between their cycles
• pain during sex
• gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation or nausea

What causes endometriosis?

While the exact cause of endometriosis isn’t certain, experts believe retrograde menstrual flow may play a role in the condition. Menstrual blood containing endometrial cells travels back through the Fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity rather than outside the body.

Researchers also believe genetics and hormones may cause endometriosis. 

How is endometriosis treated?

While no cure is available for endometriosis yet, you can manage your symptoms with various treatments. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, your gynecologist may recommend low-dose oral contraceptives to alleviate pain and reduce bleeding during periods.

If you do plan to have a baby soon, you may benefit from taking a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It blocks the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones and prevents menstruation, ultimately shrinking endometrial tissue. After you stop taking the drug, you may be able to get pregnant.

In severe cases of endometriosis, a gynecologist may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometriosis patches. During the procedure, a surgeon will make an incision near your navel and insert a small instrument to remove the endometrial tissue.

Can lifestyle changes improve endometriosis?

You can take steps at home as well to relieve the discomfort associated with endometriosis. Exercising can help your body release endorphins, so you’ll feel less pain. Limiting alcohol, using a heating pad, and eating more greens may also improve your symptoms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, turn to the gynecologists at OBGYN Associates, Inc. in Fairfield, OH. The OB-GYN clinic has provided comprehensive women’s health services for 80 years, from routine gynecologic visits to birth control and cancer screenings. For more information about their services, visit their website. Call (513) 221-3800 to make an appointment.